The Savvy Parents’ Guide to Kickstarting the School Year

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Another year of challenging and fun learning experiences is about to start so it’s about time to get your children’s back-to-school essentials organized. Preparing for the incoming school year can be nerve-wracking for parents, especially for those who are doing it for the first time. With all the different things to take care of, it can be easy to overlook something important.

While the anticipation of kids returning to school may excite parents, others may be struggling with how to prepare their children. Don’t fret! We have rounded up a stress-free back-to-school guide so you can be on top of things. Kick off the school year with our awesome finds of school must-haves to help you and your kids gear up for the coming school year.


1. Prepare and plan ahead of time

Be the most organized parents in town this school year through careful planning. This is the most crucial back-to-school tip for most parents, to make a list of necessary items like clothes, lunch boxes, backpacks, and other school materials that can be purchased ahead of time. Avoid the hassle of last-minute shopping, because with a little bit of planning you can save yourself some money on school supplies.

A planner is a must-have on your school-supply list to help students and parents stay on track. Check out National Bookstore and get affordable yet stylish planners not just for kids, but for middle-schoolers, college students, and parents too. By being prepared, you put your best foot forward and boost your kids' confidence toward the new school year.


2. Help your kids stand out with stylish yet affordable apparel and uniforms

Kids normally grow quickly and tend to outgrow their old clothes and school uniforms. If you are to buy them some new pieces, go with the basics and buy the minimum-priced items starting off with 5 to 8 shirts and 2 to 5 pairs of shorts and pants. Be thrifty by hitting up consignment and thrift stores to discover amazing discounts and offers.

If you are keeping a tight budget, it is worth looking into affordable options. Shop online and save yourself a trip to your local department stores or ask amongst your co-parents; you might discover cheaper stores you have never heard of.

Also, be on the lookout for bazaars and garage sales within your proximity. Who knows? One of your closest neighbors might just be looking to give away some staple pieces that you need.


Herschel Heritage Kids Backpack


3. Set the vibe with a go-to backpack

Finding the best backpacks for school should be on your school must-haves checklist. Go for the ones that match their style and make sure to grab a roomy tote, backpack, or laptop bag with functional pockets. Look for no-frills, cute yet functional backpacks that are convenient to carry wherever: at school, universities, and even their favorite after-school hang-out places.

An ideal school backpack should be able to carry all of your kids' stuff for the day. It should sit comfortably on your child’s back and has to be durable enough to last until the end of the school year and beyond. Make sure to pay attention to your children's sense of style as they may have their personal preferences when it comes to their school backpacks and other essentials.


Electric Lunch Box Smart Bento Box 1L


4. Choose stylish and functional bento boxes

When it comes to choosing the ideal lunch box for your children, you should look for something sturdy enough to last them the year or even longer. Make sure to get a lunch box big enough to accommodate meals and snacks that will keep them energized throughout the day. Bento boxes are ideal to create a complete meal with portioned compartments for practical food consumption.

Learning can be a hungry business, so make sure that your kids are packed with meals and snacks that will get them through the whole day. A packed lunch with added TLC can provide nourishment and boost their energy for a hectic day ahead. Compared to eating out, bento and lunch boxes can be a great way for your kids to stay healthy, on top of that they are also time-saving and affordable.


Hydrofresh Tumbler


5. Keep your kids hydrated with dependable water bottles

The value of a great school water bottle is definitely a must. Proper hydration is important in ensuring that your kids are classroom-ready and come back home as healthy as possible. Let your kids hydrate in style with reusable and environment-friendly water bottles.

Pick something easy to use especially for young kids. If your kids are into aesthetics, you might want to check out reasonably-priced bottles with sleek designs, or small ones decorated with their favorite characters, besides being comfortable to use. There are plenty of options out there for water bottles or tumblers that look good and are affordable, too.


Watsons 10-Sheet Wet Tissue - Violet


6. Practice kids on ‘SAFETY FIRST

To all parents, their kids’ safety is always a top priority. Now more than ever, it’s a good idea to practice basic hand-washing and disinfecting with your kids. A back-to-school survival kit is necessary for you to have peace of mind whenever your kids are at school or wherever outside of your home.

Throw in a helpful collection of items designed for first-aid remedies, personal hygiene, and other miscellaneous products. Keep your kids protected with handy germ-killer essentials like sanitizing wipes, sprays, hand sanitizers, and masks. Don't forget to include some other emergency supplies like a small flashlight, charger, battery, and medication if necessary.


7. Other back-to-school must-haves

As you prepare yourselves and your kids to go back to school, some other items are an absolute necessity, especially for college students. Rest assured that they make it through a full day on campus with these backpack essentials:

Noise-canceling headphones or earbuds - One thing that is universal about college campuses is that they are loud. Aside from a mere accessory, headphones and earbuds are convenient in blocking out noise and help students focus on their studies.

Portable multiport charger - Don’t let low-battery devices and gadgets ruin your kids’ day at school. Have a portable multiport charger or power bank that they may use as a power backup, especially in case of emergencies.

Extra cables - Don't forget about the cables! Some accessories, devices, and gadgets use lightning cables, while USB-C cables are becoming the standard for nearly everything else. Keep a handful of styles and lengths for any type of device.

Folding umbrella - Getting caught in the rain is the last thing that you want to happen with your kids while they are at school. Remember to stick an umbrella in the outside pouch of their backpack.


Gear up your kids this school year and save up on their school supplies with SM Deals

Preparing for every school year can be daunting for all parents, but with a little planning, you can save yourself the trouble and your money on school supplies and other back-to-school needs. Help your kids switch from school break mode to back-to-school mode with SM Deals’ helpful guide.

For all of your back-to-school needs and other trendy school essentials, make sure to shop at SM Malls Online and find great discounts at SM Deals. You can also shop in-store at any SM Supermalls in your area and head over to National Bookstore, Surplus Shop, Payless Shoesource, SM Appliance Center, SM Markets, The SM Store, and Watsons to check out the items included in this back-to-school guide.